So, you’ve finally moved in.
Maybe you found your house after scrolling endlessly on Rightmove.com, or through Roomsurfer.com, or maybe you just wandered into an agency’s office and thought “yep, this’ll do.” Either way, you’ve unpacked, the Wi-Fi is (hopefully) working, and now someone in your house has said: “let’s go out.”
But where? Don’t worry — Canterbury has loads of student-friendly spots. Here are ten that students recommend (and trust me, you’ll end up at some of these way more often than you think).
1. The Pound Bar & Kitchen
Used to be an actual prison. Now it’s burgers, pizzas and cocktails. Way more fun than it sounds — though don’t be surprised if you leave feeling slightly too full.
2. Chapman’s of Canterbury
Fish and chips are one thing, but Chapman’s is the proper seafood option. Not the cheapest on this list, but when you want to feel like a grown-up for a night, this is it.
3. The Refectory Kitchen
Breakfasts that could probably cure anything. Also, a solid “bring your laptop and pretend to study” kind of café.
4. Café du Soleil
Looks fancy (it’s by the river), but go for lunch deals and you’ll be fine. Good for birthdays or date nights when you’re trying to look like you’ve got it together.
5. Kitch
Healthy food that actually tastes good. Perfect if you’ve had one too many VKs at Venue and want to detox.
6. The Dolphin
Classic pub vibes. Good beer garden in summer, Sunday roasts in winter. You’ll probably end up here by accident at some point.
7. The Veg Box Café
Bright, veggie, vegan, filling and cheap. Even if you’re normally all about kebabs, you’ll like it.
8. Café St Pierre
Pastries and coffee that make 9am lectures just about bearable.
9. Tacos Locos
Mexican food, margaritas, buzzing atmosphere. Easy option when no one in your house can decide what they want.
10. The Goods Shed
Okay, this one’s pricier, but it’s the kind of place you take your parents when they visit. (Let them pay, obviously.)
That’s a recommended list, but half the fun of living here is stumbling across your own favourites. Canterbury has more places than you’ll manage in three years of uni.
And while we’re on the subject of choices — picking your accommodation is just as important as picking your pizza place. Sites like Varsity.com and Roomsurfer.com make it easy to find somewhere right in the middle of the action. Once you’re sorted, you’ll have more time (and money) for the important stuff… like nachos.